The Queen's English: Applying The Standards

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Sandra
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  • 1/9 Questions

    Which statement supports the author’s claim below? “English is often accused of being an impossibly complicated language, horribly difficult for nonnative speakers to learn.”

    • “. . . Modern English, the most widely used language in the world.”
    • “The problems lie in the final 3 percent, a small but troublesome group of words that don’t behave in any predictable fashion and simply have to be committed to memory.”
    • “English is probably the world’s most well-documented language. . .”
    • "English is its willingness to embrace words from just about anywhere.”
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About This Quiz

Explore the evolution of the English language in 'The Queen's English: Applying the Standards'. Assess your understanding of its historical influences, etymology, and lexicographical changes. Ideal for learners interested in linguistic roots and language development.

The Queens English: Applying The Standards - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    How does the author prove her claim that English users resist simplifying English spelling?

    • She uses examples of English and American spelling.

    • She uses examples of spelling changes that people did not receive well.

    • She explains how some words derive from foreign languages.

    • She explains how language users dislike dictionary writers.

    Correct Answer
    A. She uses examples of spelling changes that people did not receive well.
    Explanation
    The author proves her claim that English users resist simplifying English spelling by using examples of spelling changes that people did not receive well. This suggests that when attempts have been made to simplify English spelling, users have resisted and not accepted these changes. By highlighting instances where people have reacted negatively to spelling changes, the author supports the claim that English users are resistant to simplifying English spelling.

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  • 3. 

    Which statement provides an objective summary of the selection?

    • The English language is spoken by half a billion people in the world and originated in Germany.

    • Modern English is considered the most widely used language in the world.

    • The English language is the world’s most documented language because of the large number of English language dictionaries.

    • The English language has a long history of including words from many languages and continues to evolve to meet the requirements of an ever-changing world.

    Correct Answer
    A. The English language has a long history of including words from many languages and continues to evolve to meet the requirements of an ever-changing world.
    Explanation
    The answer provides an objective summary of the selection by stating that the English language has a long history of incorporating words from various languages and continues to adapt to the changing needs of the world. This summary accurately captures the main points mentioned in the selection without any subjective opinions or biases.

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  • 4. 

    How does the author unfold her ideas in the first paragraph?

    • By describing the environment in which the English language was created

    • By describing the history of the English language in random order

    • By stating statistical information on how many people speak English

    • By listing ethnic groups that speak English

    Correct Answer
    A. By describing the environment in which the English language was created
    Explanation
    In the first paragraph, the author unfolds her ideas by describing the environment in which the English language was created. This means that the author provides details and information about the conditions and circumstances that influenced the development of the English language. This approach helps to set the context and foundation for further discussion and exploration of the topic.

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  • 5. 

    What does the author mean by linguistic as used in the sentence below?“We hang on to many of our oddest spellings because, for one thing, they reflect the English language’s far-reaching linguistic ancestry.”

    • Using a dialect

    • Pertaining to grammar

    • Using jargon

    • Pertaining to language

    Correct Answer
    A. Pertaining to language
    Explanation
    The author uses the term "linguistic" to mean "pertaining to language" in the sentence. The author suggests that the reason why certain odd spellings are still used in English is because they reflect the language's extensive linguistic ancestry. This implies that the spellings are influenced by the historical development and evolution of the English language, making them an important part of its linguistic heritage.

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  • 6. 

    According to the selection, why is English one of the world’s most well-documented languages?

    • It is a blend of so many other languages.

    • There have been many publications of dictionaries.

    • There are about 200,000 words in everyday use.

    • It is spoken by a half billion people.

    Correct Answer
    A. There have been many publications of dictionaries.
    Explanation
    English is one of the world's most well-documented languages because there have been many publications of dictionaries. Dictionaries serve as comprehensive references for the language, documenting its vocabulary, grammar, and usage. These publications provide a wealth of information and contribute to the extensive documentation of the English language.

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  • 7. 

    How does paragraph 5 refine the author’s idea? 

    • It gives the cause of a problem and then the solution.

    • It spatially arranges the information, beginning in Europe and moving to Asia.

    • It provides a fact and then gives an example.

    • It presents dialogue from well-known dictionary creators and language experts.

    Correct Answer
    A. It provides a fact and then gives an example.
    Explanation
    Paragraph 5 refines the author's idea by providing a fact and then giving an example. This suggests that the author is using evidence to support their argument and strengthen their point. By presenting a fact, the author establishes credibility and adds weight to their argument. The example further solidifies the author's point by providing a specific instance that supports their claim. Overall, this approach enhances the author's idea by providing both factual information and a concrete example to support it.

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  • 8. 

     Why was Webster unable to convince people to accept his spellings of certain words?

    • He was inaccurate with many of his spellings.

    • People were unable to understand the words.

    • He was not a good salesman of his ideas.

    • The Queen did not agree with his spellings.

    Correct Answer
    A. He was not a good salesman of his ideas.
    Explanation
    Webster was unable to convince people to accept his spellings of certain words because he was not a good salesman of his ideas. This suggests that Webster lacked the persuasive skills necessary to effectively communicate and convince others of the validity and benefits of his proposed spellings. Despite potentially having accurate spellings, his inability to effectively convey the value of his ideas hindered his success in convincing others to adopt his spellings.

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  • 9. 

    What does the phrase “a troublesome group of words that don’t behave” mean?

    • The words are irritating.

    • The words are misunderstood.

    • The words follow no established rules.

    • The words create problems.

    Correct Answer
    A. The words follow no established rules.
    Explanation
    The phrase "a troublesome group of words that don't behave" means that the words do not follow any established rules. This implies that they are difficult to understand or interpret because they do not conform to the expected patterns or structures.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 09, 2017
    Quiz Created by
    Sandra

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